President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to appoint several House Republicans to roles in his administration is causing alarm among GOP insiders, who fear it will exacerbate the challenges facing House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as he struggles to maintain a slim Republican majority.
According to a report from the New York Post, Trump’s selections from the Republican caucus are thinning the ranks at a precarious time. With several seats still undecided and upcoming vacancies from Trump’s appointments, the GOP’s already fragile majority is at risk.
The report highlights Trump’s choices, including New York Rep. Elise Stefanik and Florida Reps. Mike Waltz and Matt Gaetz. These lawmakers hail from reliably red districts but will leave their seats vacant for months due to the special election process required to fill them. Gaetz’s situation is particularly notable, as he has withdrawn his name from consideration for a Justice Department role after resigning his House seat under a cloud of controversy.
One GOP insider expressed concern over the impact of these vacancies. “I think it was a concern once he started tapping people from the House, and the California races haven’t even been called yet. That could be two more seats the Dems flip,” the insider explained. “When Trump spoke to the House Republican conference [last week], he said, ‘I’d love to tap 15 of you, but I have to wait.’”
Another GOP aide warned about the looming challenges for Johnson, particularly regarding critical votes. “It will be panic time when the first spending bill happens in the new year,” they said. The strain on the GOP’s slim majority is compounded by internal dissent. According to the Post, even Johnson’s re-election as Speaker could prove difficult. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership and have floated the idea of replacing him.
As Trump’s administration takes shape, the departures of key House Republicans are creating uncertainty for the party’s legislative agenda. The vacancies and potential leadership struggles come at a time when Republicans face critical votes on spending bills and other key legislation, raising questions about the party’s ability to govern effectively. The situation underscores the delicate balancing act for the GOP as it tries to navigate internal divisions, maintain a functioning majority, and support Trump’s transition into his second term.